SEEQA conference debate at the Divinity School, Oxford
Category
In-person
Tags
academic, Conference, Exhibition, Offsite, residential
About This Project

SEEQA Conference 2024 Case Study

Client Brief

Legacy Events was appointed to manage the inaugural Seeking Quantum Advantage (SEEQA) conference at Merton College, Oxford. The brief was to create an intimate, residential conference that would bring together leading academics and industry professionals in quantum computing.

Though appointed late in the planning process, Legacy was tasked with delivering comprehensive event management services, including venue management, delegate coordination, and sustainable event practices.

Purpose of the Event

The inaugural SEEQA conference emerged from a pressing need to advance the field of quantum computing towards a critical milestone: quantum advantage. This represents the turning point where quantum computers become genuinely practical and useful for everyday applications.

Beyond just sharing research findings, the conference sought to forge meaningful connections between academia and industry, recognising that progress in this complex field requires collaboration across sectors.

How we delivered the event

The four-day residential conference was held at Merton College, Oxford, combining historic surroundings with modern facilities. The residential format was specifically designed to break down traditional barriers between senior researchers and early-career scientists, encouraging candid exchanges that might not occur in more formal settings.

Key Legacy responsibilities included:

Venue and Programming
  • Main sessions in the TS Eliot Theatre with full AV capabilities
  • Evening debate in the 15th-century Divinity School
  • Mix of long (45-minute) and short (30-minute) presentations
  • Poster session for early career researchers
  • Formal dining in the medieval hall
Social and Networking
  • Welcome reception on arrival evening
  • Traditional Oxford punting excursion
  • Conference banquet
  • Structured and unstructured networking time
  • Use of historic quadrangles and gardens for informal discussions
Delegate Management
  • Coordination of 145 attendees from 42 institutions across 18 countries
  • On-site accommodation arrangements
  • Registration and welcome services
  • Speaker and sponsor liaison